Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe: Autumn’s Sweet Smile

Sweet autumn breezes whisper promises of delectable treats, and these soft pumpkin sugar cookies promise pure delight.

Warm spices blend seamlessly with sugar’s sweet embrace, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Bakers love how the rich pumpkin flavor infuses each tender bite with cozy comfort.

Crisp edges give way to a soft, pillowy center that captures the essence of fall.

A dash of cinnamon and nutmeg dance through the dough, making these cookies irresistibly fragrant.

Each cookie delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and seasonal warmth.

The recipe transforms simple ingredients into a nostalgic celebration of autumn’s most beloved flavors.

What Goes Into Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

• Pumpkin Puree: A smooth, orange delight that brings autumn vibes to your cookies.
• Butter: A creamy base that adds richness and flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweet crystals that provide classic cookie sweetness.
• Brown Sugar: Soft sugar with a deep, caramel-like warmth.
• Egg: A binding ingredient that helps hold everything together.

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation that gives structure to your cookies.
• Baking Powder: A magical rising agent that helps cookies puff up.
• Baking Soda: Another helper that ensures light and soft texture.

• Salt, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger, Cloves: Warm spices that create a cozy, autumnal flavor profile.

• Cream Cheese: A tangy, smooth base for the creamy topping.
• Powdered Sugar: Fine sugar that creates a silky frosting.
• Vanilla Extract: A classic flavor booster with sweet aroma.
• Milk: A liquid that helps achieve perfect frosting consistency.

How to Bake Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cookie removal and cleanup.

Step 2: Create Creamy Cookie Base

• Butter
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar

Until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.

• Pumpkin puree
• Egg
• Vanilla extract

Mix until everything is perfectly combined.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Ginger
• Cloves

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Slowly incorporate dry ingredients into wet ingredients.

Stir gently until just combined.

Avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.

Step 5: Shape Cookie Dough

Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop dough onto the prepared baking sheet.

Space cookies about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.

Step 6: Bake Cookies

Slide the baking sheet into the oven.

Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges turn a delicate golden color.

Step 7: Cool Cookies

Remove from oven and let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.

Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.

• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Milk

Mix until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency.

Step 9: Frost and Serve

Once cookies are completely cool, generously spread the cream cheese frosting on top.

Enjoy your delicious homemade pumpkin sugar cookies!

Smart Tips for Perfect Sugar Cookies

• Stir dry ingredients into wet ingredients just until combined to keep cookies soft and tender.
• Use exactly 1/2 cup pumpkin puree to maintain perfect moisture balance without making dough too wet.
• Refrigerate cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking to enhance flavor development and prevent excessive spreading.
• Ensure butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.
• Customize spice blend by increasing or decreasing cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves to match personal taste preferences.

Best Storage for Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

• Store frosted cookies in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Wrap unfrosted cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting.
• Warm cookies briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore softness. For best texture, enjoy cookies at room temperature.
• Keep unfrosted cookies in a sealed container away from direct sunlight for 2-3 days, maintaining their delicious pumpkin flavor and soft texture.

What to Serve With Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

• Pair With Warm Spiced Chai Latte: The creamy, spicy chai perfectly complements the pumpkin cookie's warm autumn flavors, enhancing the cinnamon and nutmeg notes with its own rich spice blend.
• Serve With Caramel Macchiato: The sweet caramel undertones and smooth espresso create a delightful contrast to the soft, tender pumpkin cookie, balancing its sweetness with a robust coffee kick.
• Match With Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Creamy, cold vanilla ice cream provides a luxurious counterpoint to the warm, spiced cookie, creating a delectable temperature and flavor contrast that elevates the dessert experience.
• Enjoy With Apple Cider: The crisp, slightly tart apple cider cuts through the cookie's richness while echoing the seasonal autumn flavors, making for a harmonious and refreshing pairing.

Fun Variations on Classic Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cookies: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and add xanthan gum for better texture stability.
• Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cookies: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use flax egg instead of regular egg, and swap cream cheese frosting with cashew-based frosting.
• Low-Sugar Pumpkin Cookies: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia in place of granulated sugar, reduce overall sugar content, and opt for sugar-free cream cheese frosting.
• Keto-Friendly Pumpkin Cookies: Use almond flour instead of wheat flour, replace sugar with erythritol, and create a cream cheese glaze using sugar-free sweeteners.

FAQs

• Can I use canned pumpkin puree for this recipe?

Yes, canned pumpkin puree works perfectly and saves time compared to making your own. Just ensure it’s pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.

• How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevents excessive spreading during baking.

• Is it okay to substitute spices if I don't have all of them?

Absolutely! You can use pumpkin pie spice as a quick substitute or adjust the spices based on what you have in your pantry. The key is maintaining a balanced flavor profile.

• Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure to use a blend that includes xanthan gum for better texture.

What Makes Pumpkin Sugar Cookies So Special

• Quick and Easy Baking: Whip up these delightful pumpkin sugar cookies with minimal effort, perfect for both novice and experienced bakers who want a hassle-free dessert experience.
• Seasonal Flavor Explosion: Capture the essence of autumn with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, creating a mouthwatering treat that brings cozy fall vibes to your kitchen.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Impress family and friends with these soft, decadent cookies topped with creamy cream cheese frosting, making them ideal for potlucks, gatherings, or weekend baking projects.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy these cookies as a sweet snack, dessert after dinner, or a delightful companion to your morning coffee, offering flexibility for any moment of the day.

Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

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4.8 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Sweet autumn whispers dance through these heavenly Pumpkin Sugar Cookies, bringing warmth from first bite to last crumb. Delicate spices and tender texture invite cookie lovers to savor seasonal magic in each delightful morsel you’ll eagerly devour.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 large egg

Sugars:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare your culinary workspace by heating the oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Create a smooth, creamy base by thoroughly blending butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until they reach a light, airy texture.
3. Incorporate the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract into the butter mixture, stirring until perfectly integrated.
4. In a separate vessel, meticulously combine the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
5. Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing with delicate strokes to prevent overmixing and maintain a tender cookie texture.
6. Using a cookie scoop, distribute uniform dollops of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring ample spacing between each cookie.
7. Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for delicate golden edges as an indication of perfect doneness.
8. After removing from the oven, allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to stabilize their structure.
9. Transfer cookies to a wire cooling rack, letting them reach complete room temperature.
10. Craft the luxurious cream cheese frosting by whipping cream cheese and butter until silky smooth.
11. Gradually integrate powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a splash of milk, adjusting consistency to create a spreadable frosting.
12. Once cookies are entirely cooled, generously adorn each with the creamy frosting, transforming them into delectable treats.

Notes

• Boost pumpkin flavor by roasting fresh pumpkin puree instead of using canned for a more intense, authentic taste.
• Enhance texture by chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking, preventing cookies from spreading too thin and creating a softer center.
• Make gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, ensuring everyone can enjoy these delightful seasonal treats.
• Create dairy-free version by using vegan butter and coconut cream cheese alternative in frosting, making the recipe accessible for more dietary needs.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 60 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 17 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 1.5 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg